In global packaging, electronics, agriculture and industrial manufacturing, choosing the right basic film materials is key to your product’s quality and competitiveness. As a seasoned film supplier, we’re here to break down 8 core materials – PE, PET, BOPP, PA, CPP, AL, VMPET, EVOH – helping you grasp their strengths, roles and uses, and build a trusted professional partnership.

1. PE (Polyethylene): The Universal Workhorse

PE is the most widely used film material, prized for its affordability, versatility and easy processability. Available in LDPE, HDPE and LLDPE, it adapts to diverse needs seamlessly.

Core Characteristics: Non-toxic, odorless, soft and flexible, with excellent impact and low-temperature resistance (-70℃). It seals well, resists chemicals, and is easy to process via blow molding or casting.

Structural Role: A go-to inner/outer layer for composite films, offering sealing, protection and flexibility – the “foundation” of most film products.

Common Applications: Food packaging (fresh-keeping, frozen bags), daily use (shopping, express bags), agricultural mulch, industrial protective films, and daily chemical refill pouches.

2. PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate): The High-Strength Backbone

Primarily as biaxially oriented BOPET, PET is a high-performance star, valued for its exceptional strength and stability – perfect for high-end packaging and industrial use.

Core Characteristics: High tensile/tear strength, heat resistance (120℃ long-term, 150℃ short-term), good transparency and chemical resistance. Smooth surface for high-quality printing, but poor heat-sealing without coating.

Structural Role: A reliable structural/surface layer, boosting film strength and stability to avoid deformation.

Common Applications: Food (instant noodle, coffee packaging), pharmaceutical blister films, electronics (RFID antennas, motor insulation), transparent file bags, and solar cell backsheets.

3. BOPP (Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene): The Transparent Favorite

Made by biaxially stretching PP sheets, BOPP boasts enhanced strength and transparency – the top pick for clear, eye-catching packaging.

Core Characteristics: Crystal-clear (near glass), stiff, tensile, moisture-resistant and low-cost. Brittle in cold and poor heat-sealing, so it’s often combined with heat-sealable films.

Structural Role: Mainly a surface layer, showcasing products with transparency and stiffness to elevate visual appeal.

Common Applications: Cigarette packaging (aluminum-plated for moisture/light protection), snack bags (potato chips, candy, paired with PE), tape bases, and gift films.

4. PA (Polyamide, Nylon): The Puncture-Proof Expert

Known as nylon (mostly biaxially oriented BOPA), PA is famous for its unbeatable toughness and puncture resistance – essential for high-barrier packaging.

Core Characteristics: Ultra-tough (hard to tear), puncture/impact-resistant, oil-proof and low gas permeability. Hygroscopic (softens in moisture), so it’s usually combined with other films.

Structural Role: A barrier/enhancement layer, preventing punctures, blocking oil/gas and boosting overall toughness.

Common Applications: Vacuum meat packaging, edible oil bags, pet food (tear/bite-resistant), toothpaste tube liners, and industrial parachute base films.

5. CPP (Cast Polypropylene): The Heat-Sealing Core

Cast-molded CPP delivers excellent heat-sealing and flexibility, making it the ideal inner layer for composite films.

Core Characteristics: Soft, with top-tier heat-sealing (low temperature, strong seal), oil resistance and transparency. Better cold resistance than BOPP, suitable for high-temperature cooking (121℃).

Structural Role: The main inner heat-sealing layer, ensuring packaging tightness and product freshness; also usable as a single-layer film for simple packaging.

Common Applications: Cooking bag liners (vacuum meat), cosmetic films, snack inner layers, fresh fruit/vegetable packaging, and medical packaging.

6. AL (Aluminum Foil): The Ultimate Barrier

AL foil is a metal film with unrivaled barrier properties – irreplaceable for high-barrier packaging needs.

Core Characteristics: Blocks light, oxygen, moisture and odors completely, with good heat conductivity and a metallic sheen. Thin but tough, easy to composite with plastic films.

Structural Role: The core barrier layer, extending product shelf life and adding a premium metallic look.

Common Applications: High-barrier food (canned goods, chocolate), pharmaceutical blisters, electronic anti-static/moisture-proof packaging, and industrial insulation.

7. VMPET (Vacuum Metallized PET): The Cost-Effective Metallic Option

VMPET (PET with vacuum aluminum metallization) combines PET’s strengths with aluminum foil’s appeal – a budget-friendly metallic alternative.

Core Characteristics: Metallic luster (like AL foil), good light/moisture barrier, optional transparency, and lower cost than AL foil. Inherits PET’s strength and printability, easy to process.

Structural Role: A surface/barrier layer, replacing AL foil in cost-sensitive scenarios while retaining metallic appeal and basic barrier performance.

Common Applications: Snack bags (biscuits, candy), gift/cosmetic packaging, and daily chemical flexible films (balancing metallic look and cost).

8. EVOH (Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer): The High-End Gas Barrier

EVOH is the “gold standard” for gas barrier in packaging – perfect for high-end products needing strict oxygen control.

Core Characteristics: Exceptional gas barrier (hundreds of times better than PE/PET for oxygen), transparent and eco-friendly. Poor moisture resistance, so it’s paired with PE/PP for protection.

Structural Role: A high-end gas barrier layer, controlling oxygen permeability to prevent product oxidation.

Common Applications: High-end food (beer, juice, meat, dairy), oxygen-sensitive pharmaceuticals, electronic component packaging, and automotive fuel tank liners.

Choose Us: Your Professional Film Solution Partner

Every film has unique strengths – the key is matching it to your needs. With years of industry experience, our professional team delivers personalized solutions: optimize cost, extend shelf life, or enhance appearance – we tailor the perfect film combination for you.

We uphold strict quality standards, ensuring all products meet international requirements and stable production. Our efficient after-sales and technical support solves your material selection and use questions promptly.

Got questions about these 8 materials? Need a cost-effective solution? Contact us now – let’s start a professional chat and turn film advantages into your product’s competitive edge!

Packaging Expert